Word
no later than
Definition
fixed phrase. at or before a specific time, but definitely not after it.
fixed phrase. a temporal limit specifying a deadline; functions as a complex preposition or adverbial phrase to indicate that an action must occur by a terminal point.
Examples
“Please submit your homework no later than Friday.”
“The application must reach the office no later than 5:00 PM on the final day of the month.”
“The contract stipulates that all structural repairs must be completed no later than thirty days following the initial inspection.”
Examples
simple
“Please submit your homework no later than Friday.”
contextual
“The application must reach the office no later than 5:00 PM on the final day of the month.”
complex
“The contract stipulates that all structural repairs must be completed no later than thirty days following the initial inspection.”
Usage
often used in formal instructions, deadlines, and legal requirements.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'by', which is more common in casual speech; 'no later than' adds a layer of formal emphasis to the deadline.
Pitfall
Please arrive not later than 6:00.
Please arrive no later than 6:00.
the fixed phrase uses the determiner 'no' rather than the adverb 'not' to modify the comparative 'later'.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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